I've noticed the past few weeks that the car sometimes hesitates to engage into reverse when I move the shifter - a few seconds. Finally, it just won't move at all in reverse. Fluid level appears to be good, but it hasn’t been changed in 5+ years. I know. I should have tended to it. I'm having it towed to the mechanic today but would appreciate any thoughts or advice. I really want to keep this vehicle at least for a few more months. It has 295,000 miles. Thank you.

With almost 300k on the clock you've definitely gotten a long service life out of that transmission - if indeed it's the original. At this stage you (or your mechanic) can just drop the pan and inspect it for excess clutch material and check the condition of the fluid. A mechanic normally would run a line pressure test. Oftentimes reverse can show failure symptoms first because it operates at higher line pressures than the forward gears. You can do a hail mary and just change the fluid, add a can of Lucas trans fix and hope for the best.

Thanks, MisterH. Yes, it's the original. The mechanic will be able to look at it Thursday.

Let us know how it turns out!

It will be $6,500 for a transmission rebuild. This year it's had the alternator and A/C compressor replaced, new battery, and more for almost $4,000 to date. I think it's time to let it go and need to figure out how to sell a car that won't go in reverse and has body damage to the left rear. I'm seriously considering a 2017 Subaru Outback.

Whoa! That's nearly twice what I expected it to cost. Considered getting another estimate?

It's been a good vehicle but time to stop the ever-increasing expense and worry of reliability. It will be sold or donated to a charity. I live in Raleigh, NC if anyone is interested. And I have maintenance & repair records going back to 2005.

When my 2002 Pathfinder became unworthy of repairs (too many things needed fixing), I called a junker, who offered me $400 cash, and free pick up at my house. Loaded it on a flatbed. Bye bye.

Sounds like the OP has made his mind up, but I'd throw a used one in there. Car Part lists many for under a thou.

https://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi ... userPage=2